Promoter Chris Louis insisted Edinburgh’s Craig Cook could have no complaints after the Monarchs’ rider’s violent actions helped Ipswich Witches into the League Cup final.
Ipswich trailed by six points after the first leg, going into last night’s clash, but victory was always on the cards once Cook threw a punch at Ben Barker and was excluded from the meeting by referee Dan Holt.
The Witches won 57-37 on the night and 99-85 on aggregate and will meet Newcastle in the final.
“Edinburgh have been trying to wind Ben (Barker) up for a few days and the referee saw Craig’s actions as a move too far,” said Witches’ Louis.
“I was a little disappointed in terms of people paying to watch riders like Ben and Craig, as they are great entertainment, but the ref makes his decision.
“It was unnecessary from Craig and even if Ben did say something, that is part and parcel of sport. If he can’t handle that then he should not be doing it.
“Craig’s omission helped us immensely but if you look at the heats, I think we still win anyway.
Rohan Tungate scored a 15-point maximum, while Leigh Lanham (10+2) was also prolific on the night.
“Rohan needed that following big knocks at Peterborough and Poole,” added Louis.
“Leigh has not had the easiest of seasons but I have a sneaky feeling that everything will come good for him when we need it to.”
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